How do accordions work

For example, the forceful and rapid use of the bellows will produce loud sounds while slow and smooth bellowing will produce softer sounds. Accordions also come with a switch, located on either side of the bellows of the instrument.

With switches, you can fully control the timbre and the sound quality of the notes. Each switch connects to a single reed block. The more reed blocks an accordion has, the more switches it has. How do these switches work? Each reed block inside the accordion has different octaves or registers. Clicking a switch opens a reed block making it possible to play that particular octave.

With the use of the switches, a musician can mix and match different reed blocks with varying octaves and registers to produce various sounds. For example, one can simultaneously play the lowest and the highest timbre or octave.

Doing so, they can produce sounds unique and different from playing just a single octave. Some accordions have blocks that are similar in tuning.

Their differences are minimal but when played together, produce a unique sound effect. When played together using switches, it produces unique vibrations on the timbre known as the tremolo effect. French music uses this kind of effect. Mexican, German, Irish, and Italian folk music also uses this effect. As mentioned above, the reed blocks connect to a set of piano keys in the treble side and buttons on the bass side. While the majority of accordions use both piano keys and buttons, some types of accordions only have bass buttons.

For these types of accordions, both of the sides only have buttons. For the treble side, when pressing a piano key, the valves covering the reeds open. When they open, flowing air from the bellows can pass through the reeds. This causes the reeds to vibrate and the vibration produces the sound. As for the bass side, instead of valves, it uses a set of levers and rods attached to the buttons to play the reeds. In most accordions, a special key called the air button is present.

Pressing the air button lets you move the bellows without making any sound. Since compressing and expanding the bellows produces a different sound, the air button can be useful to control the sound you want to play.

The piano key side of an accordion is very visible while playing the instrument. As an accordionist, one must be able to memorize the buttons. True, there are tactile clues for the buttons but this can still prove to be a challenge for beginners. Most accordions follow the Stradella Bass System. The most common layout is buttons arranged in 6 columns. Smaller accordions have lesser columns or rows but the layout is still similar.

As you can notice, the first two columns are single notes. This creates favorable conditions for the air to flow over the reeds. As a result, the vibrations of these reeds are a prerequisite for inner sound production. The accordion works by compressing or expanding the bellows while pressing buttons or keys.

In addition, the reed valves are also utilized to give a louder sound without air leakage. Players often play songs on buttons or keys. Thanks to this mechanism of operation, the accordion has a very melodic and rich sound. The sound properties of this piece of instrument have never been underrated. The Accordionist can play one or more notes on the keyboard on the right side and combine chords on the left side.

The sound quality of the notes can be controlled by switching between reed combinations. Are you a beginner?

Do you think it is hard to play the accordion as this instrument demands massive knowledge of musical notation? However, the opposite is true for this case. Just follow our tips, and you can successfully play the accordion without breaking a sweat. There are many different types of accordions. However, some would be more suitable for beginners than others.

So, please have a careful search to get to know what kind of accordion suits you best. Besides, take the size into consideration. If you are an adult, you had better start your music journey with a 48 bass accordion because of its compactness, ease of use, and handling. The best place to place the accordion is on your chest. Please note that you should set the posture of the buttons facing away from you.

When you start handling the instrument, your left arm will move in both horizontal and vertical directions. However, keep in mind that only the left-hand works that way as your right hand just moves vertically. Remember to keep your wrists in a direction that is parallel to the keyboard.

It may be a bit difficult at first, but the accuracy will gradually improve as your hand circulation will not be obstructed. Now, pass your left hand over the strap located below the bass button area.

Then, scroll your fingers up and flick through the bass buttons. After that, push the air valve down. You should be aware that it is essential to use these air valves when opening and closing the bellows while they are in motion. Never press down on the keyboard when opening and closing the bellows at that moment.

The reason is that we just focus on the bass buttons. It goes this way for all rows. Not Helpful 5 Helpful Unless you know what you're doing or are willing to risk ruining your instrument , you will need to take it to someone who knows how to repair them.

It's likely that the old wax will need removing, reed leathers need replacing and reeds re-set in their blocks.

It isn't a small job, and it isn't a cheap one. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6. The accordion still plays a note when the air valve is pressed. It plays B4 no matter which other notes I press. How can I fix this? The easiest thing to do is to take it to someone professional for fixing.

You can also open the trug yourself and press the air valve while pulling the bellows. And then you might see what is wrong and you can try to fix it by moving the clapper inside the instrument a little. But if you don't know how to do it properly, then do not even try.

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Never push or pull on an accordion unless a key or the bellow-release button a button at the top of the bass side of the accordion, where the hand strap is, that allows you to move the accordion without making sound is pressed - this could damage the reeds making the accordion sound out of tune.

Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Always keep your accordion stored upright sitting on the bass buttons whether it's in a case or not. If stored in other positions, it can damage the leather flaps. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1. Keep it in moderate temperatures. There is wax in the accordion, therefore it can crack if it's too cold and melt if it's too hot. Don't keep it in the car, since the temperature can easily be boiling hot or freezing cold.

If bringing an accordion inside from the cold, let it warm up to inside room temperature before playing. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References 1. Co-authors: Updated: May 28, Categories: Keyboard Instruments.

Article Summary X If you want to learn to play the accordion, hold the instrument against your chest with the key buttons facing away from you. Italiano: Suonare la Fisarmonica. Bahasa Indonesia: Bermain Akordeon. Deutsch: Akkordeon spielen. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. I can now play a tune as just a beginner. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

About This Article Co-authors: Michael Sheehy Jul Linda Lourash Aug 31, It shows pictures, has the beginning basics with short exercises and tells you to start learning the bass parts first. My blind son wants to learn how to play the accordion, and your information helped me to get him accustomed to the basics.

Thank you. Brenda Goodwin Apr 7, I was just curious to see any difference you suggested from how I was taught.

It's a good lesson for teaching one how to play the accordion. Good job! Ramachandran Rajagopalan Dec 21, A fantastic illustrative definition about a versatile and most difficult instrument.

My personal compliments to the author. Rebekah Bastien Jul 7, I had recently acquired my 12 bass accordion and could only basically figure out the keys thanks for your help! Now my band and I are killing it! Share yours! By Maddy Shaw Roberts. More From ClassicFM. Latest instrument features. Ray Chen. More instruments See more More instruments.